Fagus sylvatica 'Purpurea' - Copper beech

Fagus sylvatica 'Purpurea', commonly known as the Copper Beech, is one of the most elegant and majestic ornamental trees. Renowned for its rich deep purple foliage, smooth silver-grey bark and magnificent broad canopy, it provides outstanding year-round interest and makes a spectacular feature tree for gardens, parks, estates and avenues. In spring, glossy copper-purple leaves emerge, gradually maturing to a rich burgundy throughout summer. During autumn, the foliage transforms into warm shades of copper, bronze and golden brown before falling, revealing the tree's attractive smooth grey bark and impressive branching structure. Small flowers appear in spring, followed by distinctive triangular beech nuts enclosed within spiny husks, providing an important food source for birds and small mammals. The Copper Beech is a hardy, long-lived tree that thrives in fertile, well-drained soils and performs best in full sun or light shade. Its impressive size and graceful form make it an outstanding specimen tree for larger landscapes where it can be admired throughout every season.